Judgment question: sweets such as candy and cakes are prohibited for people with diabetes
Error.
Sweets like candy, pies, and cakes used to be off-limits to people with diabetes, but not anymore.
In fact, studies have shown that starches like potatoes and white bread can affect blood sugar levels just as much as sugar, sometimes causing dangerous spikes in blood sugar. The carbohydrates contained in most vegetables or whole grains don’t affect blood sugar much.
Counting total carbohydrates and choosing the healthiest ones is more important than banning sugar altogether. It’s okay to eat a little bit of sweet stuff. For example, if you are attending a wedding, you can have a small piece of cake (a very small piece) and substitute it for another starchy carbohydrate you might eat (such as a small potato or a slice of bread).
For people with diabetes who have a very sweet tooth, there are desserts, candies, and carbonated drinks made with sugar substitutes. Many artificial sweeteners contain no carbohydrates or calories, so they do not need to be counted in the meal plan. In addition, other carbohydrates made with sugar substitutes are absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly than sugar, so they do not pose a threat to blood sugar levels.
Once you go without sugar and sweeteners for a few weeks, your body and taste buds will adapt and you will no longer crave such sweet foods. Fruits and other natural foods taste sweeter and provide more satisfaction.
Judgment question: A glass of wine with dinner is fine for people with diabetes
Correct.
Alcohol is allowed within certain limits in people with diabetes, but there are exceptions, and alcohol should not be consumed if blood glucose levels are not controlled or if there is nerve damage due to diabetes.
For those who drink alcohol, keep the amount moderate, with a maximum of 1 serving of alcohol per day for women and 2 servings per day for men.
Remember that one serving of alcohol is:
- 150 ml of wine.
- Or 350 ml of beer.
- or 45 ml of spirits.
Judgment question: Fiber-rich foods such as beans help lower blood sugar levels
Correct.
A high-fiber diet (more than 50 g/day) can lower blood glucose levels. What is the mechanism for this? The body digests fiber-rich foods more slowly, which means that glucose (a type of sugar) is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to control blood sugar levels.
To achieve this effect, the fiber content of the diet must be very high.
A high-fiber diet has also been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, lose weight, increase satiety, and maintain regular bowel movements.
Fiber-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and crackers, and gluten grains.
Check the carbohydrate and sugar content on food labels before eating; many high-fiber foods have added sugar.
Judgment question: High-protein diets are risky for some people with diabetes
Correct.
In people with comorbid kidney problems, a high-protein diet may cause some problems.
Protein overload means that for people with comorbid kidney problems, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends getting 15% to 20% of your calories from protein. Regular consumption of protein such as beans, fish, or chicken instead of fatty pieces of meat is good for your heart.
For those who want to lose weight, eat a balanced diet and reduce your caloric intake by 500 calories a day, which should result in a 10% weight loss without increasing the risk of kidney disease.